How to Nail Mock Interviews for Oxbridge, Medicine & Competitive University Admissions?

University admissions interviews — especially for Oxbridge, Medicine, Law, and other competitive courses — can feel intimidating. The pressure to perform, the unpredictable questions, and the high stakes all add up.

The good news? Mock interviews are the safest way to prepare. They give students the chance to experience the pressure in a supportive setting, practise their responses, and learn how to think on their feet before the real thing.

But here’s the key: not all practice is equal. A mock interview only works if it’s approached with the right mindset. Below, we’ve broken down five proven strategies to help students get the most out of their practice sessions.

1. Step Into Character: Take It Seriously

A mock should feel as real as possible. Encourage your child to:

• Dress smartly — clothes influence confidence.

• Set up the space — distraction-free, with water, good lighting, and no phones.

• Time it properly — treat it like the real thing, from greeting the interviewer to finishing within the allotted time.

When students rehearse in real interview conditions, the nerves of the big day don’t come as a shock — they’ve already experienced them once.

2. Embrace the Curveball Questions

The best mock interviews don’t just cover predictable questions like “Why this course?” or “Why this university?”. A strong tutor will introduce unexpected, off-script questions to reflect real admissions panels.

Examples include:

• “If you could design a school subject that doesn’t exist, what would it be and why?”

• “Is it ever ethical for governments to limit freedom of speech?”

• “Here’s a short poem. What strikes you most in your first read?”

It’s not about finding the “right” answer. It’s about showing curiosity, logical reasoning, and calmness under pressure.

3. Feedback Is Gold Dust — Use It Wisely

A common mistake? Students finish a mock, nod politely at the feedback, and move on. Instead, encourage them to:

• Write down feedback immediately — even if it stings.

• Ask for examples — e.g. “Can you show me how I rushed that answer?”

• Turn advice into actions — e.g. “Pause before answering” or “Include evidence in essay-style responses.”

Parents can help by asking reflective questions: “Which part felt strongest? What’s one thing you’ll do differently next time?”

4. Revisit Weak Spots — Don’t Avoid Them

Most students naturally avoid their weaker areas — whether that’s analysing unseen material, handling subject-specific problem-solving, or answering ethical dilemmas. But real progress happens in the uncomfortable space.

After each mock, encourage them to zone in on what went wrong. Did they waffle? Struggle to structure their answers? Panic at a curveball? Practising those specific challenges turns weaknesses into strengths.

5. Practise Thinking Aloud

Admissions tutors aren’t just looking for polished answers — they want to see the process of thought. Mock interviews are the perfect space to practise this skill.

Students should:

• Share their reasoning step by step, even if half-formed.

• Use phrases like “One way to look at this is…” or “I might approach it by…”.

• Slow down, so the interviewer can follow their thinking.

This demonstrates confidence, maturity, and intellectual flexibility — exactly what Oxbridge and top universities are seeking.

The Parent’s Role

Parents don’t need to micromanage, but they can provide gentle support by:

• Helping set up the environment for mock interviews.

• Encouraging reflection afterwards.

• Reminding their child that mistakes are fuel for improvement, not failure.

Ready to book a Mock Interview?

A mock interview isn’t just rehearsal. Done properly, it’s a confidence-building exercise, a chance to practise resilience, and an opportunity to learn in a supportive space.

When students take mocks seriously, the real interview feels less like a test and more like a conversation they’re already prepared for. That mindset shift can make all the difference between nerves and success.

Check out our blog post about How Do You Prepare for a University Interview?